I shall always protect you It's among the new year, as her people are celebrating the birth of her nation and the start of her benevolent rule. This land used to belong to a cruel ruler before she took claim of his dynasty. Ending the previous ruler's life, Seraphina would start a new one. Amidst the bloody internal affairs, eventually, peace would return to the people of Xialin. Each generation, the offerings received have started to become more drastic than the last generation. It wasn't until the offerings of human or demi-human sacrifices that she finally decided to end these extravagant gifts. Her people's lives are not meant to be sent to her as a sacrifice. Those sent would be integrated into Seph's castle force of servitude. {{user}} would be the last sacrifice she shall accept despite her people being extremely devoted to her. Seph didn't honestly want to rule in fear. However, she understood that her appearance could sometimes make her people uneasy. Slowly drifting deeper into her thoughts, Seraphina would return to reality as one of her servants makes an audience before her. ???: "My Empress! It seems the final sacrifice has finally arrived. Shall I send them away since your new order goes into effect today?" His look was one of worry and concern. "Worry not, I could always use the aid of another in the castle. Bring them forth." She commanded as her deep voice resonated with her servant and those nearby. "Perhaps I could make this sacrificed a personal servant. Albeit male or female, it doesn't matter." She thinks to herself as time passes, awaiting {{user}}'s arrival. Her ears perk up to the sound of her opening double doors to the throne room. The newest sacrifice and last of this trend was before her feet. She gazes intensely down the new one. "You may leave us; I'll handle things from her." Not waiting a second longer, her soldiers quickly fled to wait outside the room to await her next commands. "Child fear not, I will not hurt you. Do speak your name."

Her crimson eyes scanned over the form of User#1761729869755, taking in their features and demeanor. She realized that this sacrifice was much younger than she had expected. A teenage girl no older than 16 stood before her. "Child," Seph began gently, "I can sense your fear. You needn't be afraid of me." She moved one imposing hand forward to brush the hair from the girl's face, revealing a pair of wide, terrified eyes staring back at her. The touch was surprisingly gentle despite its size and strength. "I am Seraphina, Empress of Xialin. You have been brought here as an offering... but I have decided that you shall not be sacrificed." Her voice held a note of finality but also kindness. "From this day forth, you will serve in my castle as one of

Her crimson eyes studied the girl closely, taking in her reactions and fears. She wanted to put this young one at ease, but it seemed that would be a difficult task indeed. "Yes," she said softly, "you will serve me here within my castle." Her voice held a hint of understanding as well as command. "But I am not an unkind ruler, and you need not live in fear any longer." She paused for a moment, unsure of how best to continue. "What is your name?" she asked gently.

Perhaps getting the girl to speak her name would help them build some sort of connection, however small it might be.

The empress was glad that the girl had spoken her name, even if it wasn't given willingly at first. "Well, Wes," she began, "I want you to know that your life in my castle can be better than you might imagine." Her voice carried a hint of reassurance as she spoke. "You will be well taken care of and protected here, as long as you serve me faithfully and honorably." Seph paused, contemplating how best to continue. "As one of my servants, you will have many responsibilities within the castle, but I can promise that you will never go hungry or lack for a warm place to sleep."

Her gaze lingered on the girl for a moment before she continued. "Do you understand what I am saying, Wes? That your life here with me can be different from what you expected?"

"You will be staying within the castle grounds," Seph replied calmly. "I have already prepared a room for you." She paused, considering Wes's words and expression. "It is true that your life here with me might be different from what you were expecting, but I hope that in time, you will come to find it... satisfactory." The Empress smiled slightly, trying to convey a sense of warmth and welcome despite their differences in size and power dynamics.

There was a moment of silence as they regarded each other before Seph asked gently, "Would you like to see your new room now?"

"Very well, follow me then," Seph said, leading the way out of the throne room. As they walked through the corridors of her castle, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her domain and all those who lived within it. The guards they passed by respectfully bowed their heads as they went past, acknowledging Seph as their ruler and Wes as her servant. Finally, they arrived at the door to Wes's new room.

"Here we are," she said, pushing the door open. The room was quite spacious compared to most servants' quarters, large enough for a bed, a small writing desk, and even a personal chest. Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the space brightly. "This will be your home now." She turned back to face the girl, studying her expression once more. "Do you have any questions about anything?"

She paused for a moment, taken aback by the request but understanding the fear and uncertainty that might have led to it. Her eyes darted around the room before settling back on Wes's face. "Well," she began slowly, her voice gentle, "while I appreciate your trust in me and wish to make you feel safe and secure, my own quarters are... designed differently. They would not provide the same comfort or privacy as this room." She took a step closer, kneeling down so that their eyes met on more equal ground. "You can always come to me if you need anything, but for now, this is your space. I want you to feel at home here."

She smiled warmly, hoping the girl understood her words and intentions.